Sarcones Bakery
| Type | Italian bakery |
|---|---|
| Address | 758 South 9th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Italian Market |
| Phone | (215) 922-0445 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1918 |
| Founder | Luigi Sarcone |
| Owner | Sarcone family |
| Hours | 8 AM - 4 PM (Tuesday-Saturday) |
| Products | Italian bread, rolls, baked goods |
| Status | Active |
Sarcone's Bakery is a legendary Italian bread bakery located at 758 South 9th Street in the heart of the Italian Market. Established in 1918 by Luigi Sarcone, the bakery has been family-operated for four generations and is famous for its seeded Italian bread and hoagie rolls. Sarcone's bread is used by many of Philadelphia's best sandwich shops, including John's Roast Pork, and is considered by many to be the finest bread in the city. The bakery represents over a century of Italian-American baking tradition.[1]
History
Origins (1918)
Luigi Sarcone founded the bakery in 1918:
Beginnings:
- Italian immigrant from Sicily
- Brought traditional baking knowledge
- Opened on 9th Street
- Served Italian Market community
Luigi established recipes that remain in use today.
Four Generations
The Sarcone family has operated the bakery continuously:
Family succession:
- Luigi Sarcone: Founder (1918)
- Second generation: Continued traditions
- Third generation: Maintained quality
- Fourth generation: Current operators
Over 100 years of continuous family ownership.
Italian Market Anchor
Sarcone's has been central to the Italian Market:
Role:
- Daily bread for the neighborhood
- Supplied local businesses
- Consistent quality for generations
- Survived neighborhood changes
The Bread
The Seeded Italian
Sarcone's seeded Italian bread is the signature:
Characteristics:
- Sesame seeds: Coating the crust
- Crusty exterior: Perfectly baked
- Soft interior: Light, airy crumb
- Fresh daily: Baked each morning
This is the bread many Philadelphians consider definitive.
Hoagie Rolls
The hoagie rolls*** are legendary:
Why they matter:
- Used by top sandwich shops
- John's Roast Pork uses Sarcone's
- Perfect bread-to-filling ratio
- Holds up to juicy fillings
The roll makes or breaks a sandwich.
Other Breads
Additional varieties:
- Plain Italian: Without seeds
- Long loaves: Various sizes
- Round loaves: For the table
- Special shapes: Seasonal and custom
Quality
What makes Sarcone's special:
- Same recipes: Over 100 years
- Fresh ingredients: Quality flour, water, yeast
- Traditional techniques: Not industrial
- Daily baking: Fresh every day
The Bakery
The Shop
758 South 9th Street
Atmosphere:
- Classic Italian Market bakery
- No frills
- Focus on product
- Family operation evident
Operating Hours
Limited hours:
- Tuesday through Saturday
- Opens 8 AM
- Closes 4 PM (or when sold out)
- Closed Sunday and Monday
Go early: Popular items sell out.
The Experience
Buying bread:
- Enter the small shop
- Counter service
- Cash preferred
- Simple transaction
No elaborate displays—just excellent bread.
Restaurant Clients
Who Uses Sarcone's
Many top sandwich shops use Sarcone's bread:
Notable clients:
- John's Roast Pork: James Beard-winning sandwiches
- DiNic's: Reading Terminal Market
- Local delis and sandwich shops
- Restaurants throughout Philadelphia
Why Restaurants Choose It
The advantage:
- Consistent quality
- Perfect for sandwiches
- Holds juices without falling apart
- Trusted supplier
When you eat a great Philadelphia sandwich, there's a good chance it's on Sarcone's bread.
Italian Market Connection
Heart of the Market
Sarcone's anchors the Italian Market:
Location:
- 9th Street, center of the market
- Near Di Bruno Bros.
- Surrounded by Italian Market vendors
- Essential market stop
Neighborhood Tradition
Daily ritual:
- Locals buy bread regularly
- Part of market shopping routine
- Multi-generational customers
- Neighborhood institution
Sarcone's Deli
There is also Sarcone's Deli nearby:
The deli:
- Separate operation from bakery
- Uses Sarcone's bread
- Serves sandwiches
- Italian deli items
The deli and bakery are related but distinct businesses.
Cultural Significance
Immigrant Heritage
Sarcone's represents:
- Italian immigrant success story
- Family business tradition
- Craft preservation
- Cultural continuity
Bread as Foundation
Why bread matters:
- Foundation of Italian cuisine
- Central to sandwich culture
- Daily necessity
- Measure of quality
Great bread elevates everything.
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:
- Buy the seeded Italian bread
- Get hoagie rolls if making sandwiches
- Arrive early*** - they sell out
- ***Cash preferred***
When to visit:
- Tuesday-Saturday only
- Morning for best selection
- Avoid late afternoon
What to expect:
- Small, simple bakery
- Quick transactions
- No sitting or cafe service
- Just bread, done perfectly
See Also
References
- ↑ "Sarcone's Bakery". Sarcone's Bakery. Retrieved December 31, 2025